I'm looking to purchase a cadence computer. Does anyone have a suggestion on which one to buy? I just want a simple one, nothing fancy or complicated.
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I'm looking to purchase a cadence computer. Does anyone have a suggestion on which one to buy? I just want a simple one, nothing fancy or complicated.
Cateye makes a simple one with cadence and rear pickup. Costs around $30-35. I bought one for my bike for the indoor trainer. Now, if ECT isn't enough to torture me while riding indoors, I can stare at the cadence monitor and make myself spin faster (oh, my legs are aching just from the thought :eek: )
A lot depends on whether you want wired or wireless. I have the Vetta-100 on my road bike. It's wireless all around. It's a little more expensive, but it's been accurate and durable. If you want wired, I think any of them are fine. You can find them pretty cheap on Performance or Nashbar's sites.
There are lots of good choices. Sigma's are great - easy to use, easy to set up, easy to read and inexpensive
www.sigmasport.com
I have the Cateye double wireless computer on my road bike and I like it very much. It's pricey (but cheaper online), but in comparison to the Vetta I have on my other bike (I think it's the V100, with wireless cadence kit) it's much better.
First off, the display on the cateye has four fields -- meaning you can watch say, speed, cadence, distance and ride time all at the same time (you have to scroll for subfeatures like avg speed or max cadence or all-time ride distance). I haven't seen another computer that puts all of these on one screen. While I don't mind scrolling too much, it's nicer when you don't have to.
Second, the Vetta -- also wireless speed and cadence -- has two sensors and two magnets, one set on fork/front wheel and one set on crankarm/chainstay. The cateye manages with only one sensor, meaning less weight and less junk on your bike, but also, since the speed magnet is mounted on the rear wheel, you get all the functions if you put your bike on the trainer, while I believe the Vetta's front mounted speed magnet will not work on a trainer. (I was also dismayed to find that Vetta expected me to mount the computer head using zipties -- strictly speaking this is probably lighter, but it seemed cheesy -- and you'd better make sure you have the right size zip ties lying around if you ever need to take -- literally, cut! -- the computer off).
Last, the Cateye has been more reliable. It's a pain in the rear to do the initial setup, since the computer function "flowchart" is totally not intutive and the manual is just awful (& then poorly translated). But I've never had it blip out on me while riding, which happens **more than I'd like** with the Vetta, and I also like that it fixes on speed and cadence immediately when I start riding, while the Vetta takes 30 seconds or so to display anything. The very last point is probably not that important, but it still bugs me a little.
So I'd recommend the cateye strongly if you're willing to spend for wireless. The only downside is that the sensor (mounted on the chainstay) is biggish and could look ugly depending on the color of your bike (it happens to be the exact color silver of my bike, so it's not too noticeable. If aesthetics are a big issue for you Mavic makes a wireless speed/cadence computer where the sensor is integrated into the rear quick release. Pretty slick).
To summarize I guess I'd say, decide whether you want wired or wireless, then check where the sensors are mounted (front vs back) and how many there are, and think carefully about whether you like the layout of the display.
Hope this is helpful!
Oh -- and I have found the cadence function to be extremely helpful, I think it's really helped me as I try to become a better rider.
I have a Trek (do they still make computers?), a Sigma, and a Cateye Astrale 8 (each on a different bike).Quote:
Originally Posted by Thorn
I'm guessing you are talking about the Astrale 8 - I just got fed up with my Sigma ($65) last night and ripped it off the bike - I ordered a Cateye Astrale 8 (on sale at biketires direct for $27 + shipping) to replace it.
The Cateye is, to me, the most intuitive computer I've ever had, does everything. Simple to figure out which buttons to push. I had to read the instructions on the Sigma, and I still never get which button to push for what I want right. I also actually prefer the wired over the wireless, the wired seams less persnickety to me.
The only negative to the Astrale 8 is that it doesn't do average cadence - wish it did.
I've also been told that the "new" ones aren't as good as the old - I've got an old one, I'm waiting to find out what's been changed. I think maybe the mount is different.
Pretty funny how different each person's experience can be....
I threw away a Cateye wireless because I could never get a steady reading out of the d@mn thing, it chewed through batteries, cut out in the rain and a lot of things (especially traffic light sensors) would make the thing read light speeds.....
Cateye wireless definitely has a different opinion than their wired. We regularly have customers complaining about the wireless pick up and consistency. My vote is for the Cateye Astrale 8 - reliable and durable.
I use a wireless Mavic computer - and it is integrated in my front skewer. I really like it - I have had a lot less issues with it than my previous polar wireless computer. I like the wireless - it just is a neater look. I absolutely would not recommend the polar - all kinds of issues with the cadence pick-up.
Debi
[QUOTE=Eden;173353]Pretty funny how different each person's experience can be....
QUOTE]
Yes, but I'm always right :p
I've never used a wireless Cateye, so I am comparing a wireless Sigma to a wired Cateye.
I've also never had to change the batteries in the Trek - 15 years and no new batteries.
I've never changed a battery in the Cateye, either, but it's only 3 years old.
I second this. I have the same on on my road bike so I can have cadance. I put it on myself w/ no problems. Just make sure you line the magnet w/ the sensor. I ahve a Trek wireless(no cadence) on my hybrid). both work well.Quote:
Originally Posted by bikemom
Hi,
Just a quick pipe in. I bought the Polar CS200 & can recommend it. When i get home tonight i shall explain why.:)
c
There is a new Serfas computer, its called SL 3 that is a wireless cadence for around $50-$60. I have the astrale 8 and am thinking about switching to the wireless....all those black wires on my pretty pink and purple bike! They just have to go.